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What To Expect on a Western Canada Wilderness & Wildlife Experience

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By Kathryn Hodgson


Beyond the bright lights of Vancouver, in western British Columbia, lies a vast paradise of wilderness and wildlife experiences. Choose from luxurious secluded hideaways, rustic retreats, First Nations owned and operated properties or unique floating lodges, all surrounded by stunning landscapes.

No two days are the same when exploring Western Canada’s vast wilderness. There are a range of experiences to choose from depending on which wildlife you’d like to see and your perfect style of accommodation. From grizzly bears to bald eagles and luxury resorts to traditional lodge-style accommodation, here’s a short guide of what to expect...

Getting To & From Your Wilderness or Wildlife Experience

Reaching your chosen accommodation can be just as enjoyable as the experience itself. Set within the remote wilderness of British Columbia, you might arrive by a scenic boat or floatplane ride, or you can easily combine some experiences into a fly drive or motorhome holiday.


Farewell Harbour Lodge, Canada
Farewell Harbour Lodge

Accommodation & Facilities

Due to their remote locations and focus on wildlife viewing or adventure activities, in most cases you should expect basic yet comfortable accommodation with a more rustic feel. However, Trailfinders offer something to suit all tastes, be that a glamping-style tented experience, or a standalone lodge room featuring First Nations artworks. Whether you’re looking to relax beside a campfire under the stars, take a dip in a pool or indulge in a spa treatment before enjoying a restaurant-standard meal, your Trailfinders travel consultant can recommend the right option for you.


Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, Canada
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Meals

Most properties offer a full board package, with selected soft drinks and sometimes house wine or beer included. Meals are generally taken communally and menus can vary daily, usually featuring locally sourced produce. Dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice, therefore please notify your Trailfinders travel consultant at the time of booking.


Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Depending on where you stay, wildlife viewing might be taken on foot, by boat or from strategically placed viewing platforms. Remember, while bears are active from around May to October, in some destinations they’re most commonly spotted from August, therefore if bear viewing is on your bucket list, let your Trailfinders travel consultant know so that they can recommend the best option for your preferred dates. As well as bears, you can look forward to viewing a range of flora and fauna including birdlife and whales from April to October, while some lodges have activity-focused packages including kayaking and wilderness trekking. Please ensure you discuss any mobility restrictions with your Trailfinders travel consultant at the time of booking to ensure you can take part in wildlife viewing or activities safely, and have a fantastic wilderness experience.


Please note, iIncluded wildlife viewing and excursions can vary greatly by each lodge and are always subject to change depending on weather and local conditions.


Knight Inlet Lodge, Canada
Knight Inlet Lodge

So, how to choose the right experience for you? Below are our top picks for…

…Luxury

Offering refined accommodation, great facilities and à la carte dining, the luxurious Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, is perfect for a wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and a focus on personalised activities and service.


…First Nations Culture

Owned by the Klahoose and Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations respectively, Klahoose Wilderness Resort and Spirit Bear Lodge offer a unique opportunity to connect with those who have called this land home for thousands of years and support their admirable conservation and preservation efforts.


…Wilderness Activities

While offering amazing bear viewing opportunities from Aug - Oct, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is ideal for an activity packed escape. Whether on their Summer Escape or Bear Adventure, enjoy free use of mountain bikes, nature walks and the wildlife viewing stations.


Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Canada
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

…Immersion In Nature

If you’re looking to forget the frills and focus on the thrill of bear viewing, look no further than Great Bear Lodge or Knight Inlet Lodge. Each located in the mighty Great Bear Rainforest and only accessible by floatplane, get ready for total wilderness immersion, hosted by expert guides.


…Something Different

You don’t have to head too far into the wilderness for an exhilarating experience! Head to Tofino for a stay at Tofino Resort & Marina, a unique hotel with an adventure centre and whale watching tours. Exploring the Sunshine Coast by car? Add a stop at West Coast Wilderness Lodge, with opportunities to explore sheltered inlets by boat tour or kayak.


Farewell Harbour Lodge, Canada
Farewell Harbour Lodge

For more inspiration, take a look at our Canada Holidays pages.

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Written by Kathryn Hodgson

Kathryn is a Procurement Manager for Canada, the USA and Alaska in our Kensington head office.

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